Renewable Industries Canada applauds Ontario's Environment Plan

OTTAWA, Nov. 29, 2018 /CNW/ - Renewable Industries Canada (RICanada) today welcomed the release of Ontario's Environment Plan "Preserving and Protecting our Environment for Future Generations: A Made-In-Ontario Environment Plan" and its commitment to move to 15% ethanol blend in gasoline as early as 2025. Ontario continues to lead the way in renewable fuels use and production in Canada. We applaud the Ford Government for its recognition that ethanol is both an environment solution and an economic growth engine.

RICanada is the effective voice of Canada's domestic renewable fuels industry, including many of Ontario's largest producers. Its member companies worked with local farmers to pioneer Ontario's ethanol industry. The blending of biofuels into gasoline delivers significant health and environmental benefits. Ethanol reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by over 60% relative to gasoline. Unlike some other alternative fuels, ethanol is a local and reliable fuel that is already having a positive impact without compelling Ontarians to drive less or purchase new vehicles.

Ontario's move to an average blend of 15% ethanol in gasoline also supports Ontario farmers by using locally grown corn. This creates more jobs in the agriculture and cleantech sector. It is also great news for retailers and for consumers who want to enjoy cleaner and more affordable options at the fuel pump.

Member Company Statements:

Greenfield Global Inc.

"It's a win-win", said Howard Field, President and CEO of Greenfield Global Inc.  "In addition to making Ontario's gasoline among the cleanest in the country, moving to an E15 gasoline blend will mean lower prices at the pumps, while supporting jobs, agriculture and innovation, right here in Ontario, where the ethanol is made."

IGPC Ethanol Inc.

"For our ethanol company that is largely owned by Ontario farmers, these measures will have a direct and positive impact on our business by ensuring that there is a growing market for our made-in-Ontario product" said Kevin Norton, CEO-COO of IGPG Ethanol Inc.

Grain Farmers of Ontario

"This is good news for grain farmers and rural communities from across Ontario, the commitment by Doug Ford's government to increase the demand for Ontario grown corn ethanol means more jobs, dependable markets for grain farmers and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and better air quality for the province." said Markus Haerle, Chairman, Grain Farmers of Ontario.

About RICanada:

Founded in 1984, Renewable Industries Canada (RICanada) is a non-profit organization with a mission to promote the use of value-added products made from renewable resources. RICanada is the industry's leading voice in raising consumer awareness and in providing input to governments with respect to policies, legislation and regulations affecting the interests of our over 30 member companies.

SOURCE Renewable Industries Canada

Dan Pfeffer, Renewable Industries Canada, [email protected], T: 1-833-4-RN-FUEL, Twitter: @renewcan, www.ricanada.org